Ever wondered why games from the Chinese mainland like Black Myth: Wukong feel so… uniquely epic? 🎮✨ They’re more than just killer graphics and boss battles—they’re packed with centuries-old vibes and philosophies!
From Confucius to Controllers
Believe it or not, Confucian thinkers saw “games” as part of the Six Arts—ritual, music, archery, charioteering, calligraphy and math! This idea, youyuyi, meant exploring arts to build character. Yet, traditional historians often brushed off gaming as too “frivolous” compared to serious cultural pursuits. 🤔
Zen, Zhuangzi & Open Worlds
Enter Zhuangzi’s xiaoyao you—a state of carefree wandering. Sounds a lot like modern open-world games where you roam free, right? 🌏
Buddhism brings in youxi shentong, or “playful supernatural powers,” treating play as a path to enlightenment. And Zen’s love of paradox and surprise? Think those mind-bending in-game puzzles that leave you shook!
The Yin-Yang of Play
In English, we split “play” (just having fun) and “game” (the rules). In Chinese, youxi covers both action and structure. This yin-yang mix gives games a natural flow that feels super immersive. 🌓
Recent research from Beijing Normal University’s Homo Ludens Archive—the Chinese mainland’s first public video game archive—shows ancient philosophies are still leveling up today’s hits. Next time you grind XP or quest through a new map, remember you’re tapping into a rich cultural legacy! 🚀
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
